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Getting influenza
is much riskier than getting the influenza vaccine. However, a vaccine,
like any medicine, is capable of causing problems, such as severe
allergic reactions. The risk of the influenza vaccine causing serious
harm, or death, is extremely small.
Inactivated
Influenza Vaccine:
Mild problems:
- soreness,
redness, or swelling where the shot was given
- fever
- aches
If these problems
occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1-2 days.
Severe problems:
- Life-threatening
allergic reactions are very rare. If they do occur, it is within
a few minutes to a few hours after the shot.
Live, Intranasal
Influenza Vaccine:
Mild problems:
Some children
and adolescents 5-17 years of age have reported:
- runny nose,
nasal congestion or cough
- fever
- headache
and muscle aches
- abdominal
pain or occasional vomiting or diarrhea
Some adults
18-49 years of age have reported:
- runny nose
or nasal congestion
- sore throat
- cough, chills,
tiredness/weakness
- headache
These symptoms
did not last long and went away on their own. Even when they occur
after vaccination, they may not have been caused by the vaccine.
Severe problems:
- Life-threatening
allergic reactions from vaccines are very rare. If they do occur,
it would be within a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccination.
- If rare reactions
occur with any new product, they may not be identified until many
thousands, or millions, of people have used the product. Like
all vaccines, live, intranasal influenza vaccine is being monitored
for unusual or severe problems.
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